RORY McAULEY was hoping for the perfect 23rd birthday present in a third England C cap – but instead had to settle for a cake.
The Cambridge United defender was on his way back from Gateshead last Saturday when the Three Lions call came after Greg Taylor dropped out with injury.
And McAuley, who was unwell the day before the game, says the experience gleaned from another trip abroad with the national side is a big plus, even if they didn’t get to play.
He said: “If someone had told me I’d be have my 23rd birthday in Albania, being sick the night before, I wouldn’t have believed them.
“I’d rather be with the team than stuck at home thinking about all the lads having a good time and playing for England C.
“It’s a good experience to come out and be a part of the set-up with people considered to be the best young players at the level even though we didn’t get a game.
“At your club you obviously play the way they want to play so it is good to come away and see how other people do things and talk to players from other clubs.
“You want to do well so that the other players go back to their club saying he’s a good player.”
With Cambridge fighting to overcome an average start to the season McAuley has been on a scouting mission.
“It’s good to pick up information on other players so when you come up against each other you can help your team-mates out,” he said.
“It always makes it good fun when we meet again because there is that extra bit of friendly rivalry.”
